Thank you to my beta, Nikki, for taking on this fic!
BPOV
As I walked up to the doors of the pool I searched for the keys in my bag. I don't know how I can even lose those damn things. There are thirty keys for the building and the keychain weighs a ton.
"Ah, ha! Here you are." I said pulling them out of my bag.
I looked through all the keys trying to find the one that said 'Front Doors.' After finding the right one, I unlocked the doors and then found the key to unlock the office door. Going straight to the lights and flicking them all on, I went to unlock the clock-in room. I knew that I would spend at least another fifteen minutes to unlock the rest of the pool, so I immediately clocked in and continued my morning adventure unlocking the locker rooms, the break room, lifeguard locker room, and the Head Guard Office. Yes, Head Guards had their very own office. I put my things away in the office and headed to the filter room, checked all the water and chemical levels to ensure that it was safe to open the pool for the day.
"Bella?" Jared, one of the summer maintenance guys, called for me.
"Jared, I am in the filter room!" I shouted. He came around the corner of the door and gave me a smile.
"I pulled down the windows for you," Jared said.
"Thanks. I don't know what I would do if you didn't come take those things down for me."
The windows from the first aid room were metal and weighed a hundred pounds, I swear. The front window opened to the front doors and that is where the cashier sat during pool hours. The back window opened to view the pool and is where people would report if they needed first aid assistance.
"Not a problem. I know that they would squish you if you even tried to pull them out of the frame." Jared laughed.
"Still on for our lunch meeting? The rest of the guys too?" I asked Jared.
"Yup. We will be here around one thirty to pick you up."
"I'll be ready," I replied while locking up the filter room.
"See ya, Bells." Jared waved goodbye.
I headed back to the first aid room to await the regular adult lap swim people to arrive. Thank God I didn't have to really watch them because I was starting to get a mild pounding in my head. No more tequila…tonight at least. Once Dave, Shiloh, and Tim arrived to do their morning exercise routine, I grabbed an Ibuprofen and a bottle water to get my head settled.
Before I knew it, eight a.m. rolled around and the rest of the staff was beginning to clock-in for swim lessons.
"Morning, Bella." Rose and Alice said coming into the first aid room.
"Rough morning girls?" I asked.
"Yea, just a little. You know how bad tequila is for me the next day," Rose said.
"Let's not drink that anymore," Alice chimed in.
Alice and Rose went to put their things in the locker room and were getting their swim lesson assignments together to begin classes.
I was a certified swim instructor, as well, but my main duty during lesson time was to make sure the teachers were teaching the proper skills for each level and that the kids excelled to the next level in two weeks. My job was easy. We had the best teachers and I was always talking to parents to make sure their children enjoyed lessons and were learning new skills.
"Bella!" I looked over to see one of the parents waving me down.
"How are you, Sue?" I asked.
"Great, I just wanted to let you know that Kristin loves Rose and Alice. They are doing such a great job. I am going to be so sad to see everyone go after this summer. Who is going to teach little Elizabeth how to swim next year?" She pointed to her youngest daughter. They were one of the many families that returned each year for lessons and you watched their children grow.
"Well, I am happy to let you know that we are carefully crafting the new guards this summer to become great replacements for us. Little Elizabeth will be in great hands, as well as Kristen, Melissa, and Kyle." I informed Sue.
"I hope so, or I'll have to make Charlie hunt you down and bring you back," she giggled and said goodbye.
Everyone knew my dad, Charlie, since he was the Chief of Police. I could never do anything slightly sneaky around town because it would all get back to him and I am slightly scared of the wrath I would encounter if I ever did anything bad.
The four sets of swim lessons went by with a blur and it was about time for lunch with the guys. It was our bi-weekly meeting for what maintenance needed to be done, the lawn care, and if any new supplies needed to be ordered for the pool.
I quickly showered, put on my lifeguard suit, and threw some regular clothes on. I let the other guards know where they were going to be stationed during the day and informed Rose, who was the other head guard today, and Rob, a head guard in-training, that I was having a lunch meeting with the guys.
"Bella, you ready?" Jacob asked. I turned around to see him with a stupid grin on his face and waving at Leah, one of the new guards this summer.
"Yea, let's go!" I said pulling Jake's arm from the break room.
"So where do you want to eat?" Jacob asked walking with me out to his truck.
"Why do you even ask me? We always end up going to the same place and have never had our meetings anywhere else the entire five years we have been working here," I replied.
"Pizza Hut it is guys!" Jacob said to the rest of the crew while opening the passenger door for me. Jacob, Jared, Jasper, Ben, and Mike all worked as maintenance crew for the past five years during the summer.
"Hey guys!" I waved to everyone and settled into my seat.
As we headed to the Hut, Jacob turned up the radio and some good ole' Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers played.
(Last Dance with Mary Jane by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers)
As we pulled into the parking lot, sure enough there sat the Chiefs' cruiser, along with a few other cop cars. Ever since the Dunkin' Donuts closed a few years ago, they have found residence here at Pizza Hut.
We piled out of the truck and headed inside.
"Hey guys!" Tara said as she went past us with a tray full of drinks. Tara was Jared's older sister and we always sat in her area. She was by far the best waitress out there and loved her job. Her husband, Sam, didn't really want her to work but she got bored at home after their son started school. So, she has been working here ever since.
The hostess sat us right in front of the buffet and Tara soon came and took our drink orders. The staff knew that we held our bi-weekly meetings here and always had our favorite pizzas ready on the buffet when we got there. The guys being guys, all got up and rushed the buffet before even we even started the meeting.
After they were done nearly piling all of the pizza on their plates, I got up to get my favorite pizza, Taco Pizza; thin crust, topped with smashed beans, sausage, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and Doritos. I always tell people try it before you knock it. It is seriously the best pizza out there.
Tara came back to the table and gave us all our drinks. It was a busy day and I knew that we were an easy table for her to serve. We didn't ask for much and since we would be starting the meeting soon she would let us be until we were finished.
"Okay, guys. I will make this quick and painless for you," I said, while they were stuffing their faces. "I need some more chlorine put in the storage room, one of the bulbs in the light poles in the front of the building need to be replaced, one of the sinks in the boys' locker room is clogged, and I have a supply list ready for all the supplies I need for the first aid room." I pulled out the list and handed it to Jacob.
We all usually went together to the city warehouse that had all of the supplies I needed after our lunch meeting. I could go by myself but, Phil, the guy that was in charge there was a creepy old perv and I didn't like going alone.
"Oh, and I need someone to check out one of the ladders by the deep-end of the pool. Kids keep getting their toes sliced open. They say there is a piece of metal poking out by the bottom step. Right now it is roped off and not many people even use it but it still needs to be taken care of ASAP. And one of the gutters keeps sliding out of place by the kiddy area." I finished my list of tasks and finished eating.
"Alright that seems pretty easy for us. We should be able to get all of that done for you today, Bella," Mike said.
"Thank you. Now what do I need to do for you guys? Or should I say what do the newbies need to do? We have an in-service scheduled next week and I can add to the list of things that need to be addressed in the meeting," I asked.
"Well, basically all the weeds need to be pulled in the flower beds and around the perimeter of the pool, all the trash cans need to be thoroughly cleaned and that includes the ones on the outside of the pool and by the volleyball courts. The thing that needs to be addressed, like it always has to be, is if they see trash on the ground, it needs to be picked up and put in a trash can. Oh and when trash is taken out to the big dumpster they need to make sure the lids are completely closed and no trash bags are left outside the dumpster," Jacob said.
"Okay, that will be taken care of."
We were finished with the meeting and Tara was back at the table grabbing our glasses. She sat down with us after refilling our drinks.
"So, Bella, are you going over to Jared's tonight?" Tara asked.
"Yea, I planned on it. I have to work 'til six and then I will be there. Why?"
"Well, I met some fine looking guys today. They are the new doctor's sons. Ya know, Dr. Cullen. They came in just a while ago and asked if there is anything to do in town," Tara said hitching her eyebrow. "So, I told them about the party tonight and that I would introduce them to everyone."
"Hey, Sis, don't you have a husband and child to tend to and not 'some fine looking guys'?" Jared eyeballed Tara.
"She can look and not touch, Jared," I said.
"Yes, I do, Jared, but I told the guys that I was only going to have drink then I would be leaving. They seem like nice guys and the girls need some new eye candy," Tara replied.
"Yea, it would definitely be nice seeing some fine guys. These fools are old news." I waved off the guys and giggled.
"Hey! We should be enough for you and the other girls to look at. I mean, damn, I know I am fine, and this," Ben said moving his hand up and down his body, "is what every girl dreams of."
"Bahahaha!" Tara, me, and the rest of the guys doubled over in laughter.
"Yea, ok, Ben, whatever you say," I said sarcastically.
I looked at my phone and it was time to get going.
"Well, guys, are you ready to head back?" I asked. "I need to make sure that Rose hasn't killed Leah, yet. I don't know why those two can't get along. I think maybe they are too much alike and are always trying to overpower one another."
"Will Leah be coming to the party tonight?" Jacob asked.
"I don't know. I really don't talk to her that much. Why don't you ask her yourself?" I said rolling my eyes.
I don't know why Jacob doesn't grow a set and ask her out already. It has been nearly a month of watching them give each other goo-goo eyes and they have yet to talk.
I looked over to Tara and tapped her hand on the table.
"Tara, I can't wait to see the man meat you're bringing tonight. It better be good."
"Oh, it most definitely will be good. I think that you will be thoroughly impressed. I want to tell you how good it is but I think that it will be sooooo much better to see your face when they walk in and meet you."
"Is it really that good? I mean the only people that can be that good is Justin Timberlake or Hugh Jackman." Mmmm….of course I think that JT is sexy as hell but that's only because I've loved him since N'Sync. Hugh Jackman on the other hand, is the one older man I wish would just take me. Anywhere, anytime, I would be ready.
"We'll see. I'll talk to you guys later," Tara said her goodbyes and was back to work.
We all got up and paid the bill. As we were walking to the truck, Jacob reached into his pockets and pulled out a massive amount of suckers. The Pizza Hut suckers were his favorite candy for some reason. It wasn't a sucker that you found at the store or anything because, well, they were Pizza Hut suckers.
"Want one, Bells?" Jacob asked with both hands extended out to me. I grabbed my favorite one; strawberry.
"Guys?" He turned to offer.
When I turned around, I looked to the rest of them and each one of them had just as many suckers in their hands.
"What did you guys do? Take the entire supply from them?" I screeched. I knew that Jacob would usually get a hand full of suckers from Tara but for all of them to have two hands filled was beyond me.
"The bucket of suckers was right in hands reach, so as we were each paying our bills, we grabbed them. No one even noticed. Besides, I saw a new box of suckers being opened by the manager." Jared said.
I just shook my head. It never ceased to amaze me all of the things those guys would do. We all hopped in the truck and were headed to the city warehouse to gather my supplies.
Jacob backed his truck into the warehouse knowing all the supplies that I needed and we all got out. Ben grabbed a flat bed cart and headed towards Phil with the list in hand. I knew where everything was located and the guys followed me around, pulling things from the shelves that I asked for. We headed back to Phil so he could count the stock and give me an invoice.
"Isabella, why do you always come with these goof balls?" Phil asked me. "You know that I can help you with anything that you might need." Gross. Did he just wiggle his eyebrow at me?
"Well, we had a lunch meeting and we needed Jacob's truck," I said trying to avoid his eyes.
I signed the invoice and he handed me a copy. If I didn't have to sign off for supplies, I would never come here and stand within 50 feet of that pig. The guys loaded everything into the back of the truck and we were headed back to the pool.
"Man, Bella, why don't you bring Phil with you tonight? He is more than willing to 'help you with anything'?" Mike asked while the rest of the guys chuckled.
"Very funny, guys." I turned around and smacked each one of them on the arm.
We arrived at the pool and it was going to be another busy day. I went into the break room and told the newbies they needed to unload the supplies and put them into the storage room. The guys went around the pool fixing the things I asked of them earlier and were done in no time.
"Thanks guys. I'll make sure that everything you need is taken care of in the coming week," I said as they left.
"See ya, tonight Bella." Jared said.
"Hey, Bells, will you do me a favor?" Jacob asked and I knew what was coming next because of the face he was giving me. "Will you ask Leah if she'll come out tonight?"
"Really, Jake? She is in the break room right now just go ask her." I said.
"Never mind. I'll see you tonight." Jake replied back and was walking towards his truck with his shoulders hunched over. God, why does he do these things to me?
"I'll see what I can do Jake," I shouted towards him.
"Thanks!" He looked back with a huge smile. "Love ya."
"Yea, Yea. I love you too you d-bag," I said.
I turned back into the first aid room and it looked as if Rose had a handle on everything. Rose was sitting out at our head guard station. I went into my office and removed my shirt and shorts. I grabbed my towel, sun block, water bottle, and went to sit next to Rose.
"So how was lunch? And Phil?" Rose asked chuckling.
"You too? Lunch was good. Ooooohh, guess what?"
"You're bringing Phil tonight?" Rose answered.
"NO!" I smacked her arm just like the guys. They really thought it was funny.
"Okay, what?"
"Well, tonight we are going to meet some new sausage at Jared's house. Apparently, they are better looking than JT and Wolverine," I grinned. Rose and I shared the same fantasies of the two men.
"Really, who is it? They can't be that good, can they?" Rose asked.
"They are Dr. Cullen's sons. They are new in town."
"O.M.G! Bella, you are kidding right? You mean Emmett McCarty Cullen will be within my reach tonight. In less than five hours? You're joking right?" Rose was… flustered.
"Um, I don't really know who that is exactly but if he is Dr. Cullen's son then, yes. How do you know him?" I asked, a little curious to know why she was acting like a thirteen year old girl getting ready to meet the Hanson brothers or something.
"Are you kidding, Bella?"
Again with the kidding thing? I really didn't know who he was.
"Emmett and Edward both go to the University of Notre Dame. Emmett should have gone into the first round of NFL picks last year but he decided that he needed to finish his degree. You know, to have something to fall back on if the NFL didn't work. As if he need a degree, Emmett is amazing. Mmmm…those big strong arms, the broad shoulders, that ass," Rose shook her head but continued to ramble. "Anyway, he is the next big thing that is going to hit the NFL circuit next fall. I have been following him since his freshman year at Notre Dame. Emmett is the reason that Notre Dame came out of the slump three years ago. Thank God he is finishing his degree and needs another semester of classes because I think that we can go all the way to the Rose Bowl this year."
I knew how devoted Rose's family was to the University of Notre Dame and we were all quite surprised when she decided not to go there for college but this was just another level of fan-demonium. I never saw her so excited and actually passionate about football, it's so…. not like her. Now that I think about it, she was always home Saturdays in time to make sure that the DVR was recording the game. She was a closet sports fan, wasn't she?
"Rose, ok, ok. Slow down," I said.
"Bella, I am so excited and nervous at the same time. What am I going to wear? I need Alice on this one. I know that that man is single and I am now on the prowl for some Emmett man meat," Rose said.
I just had to laugh. She is a woman on the hunt. I wonder what Edward looked like now. Was he just another football jock? I didn't have anything against them but they were just too big for my liking. I was a petite woman and quite frankly football players scared me because they were so big.
"So, Rose, what is Edward like? I mean, you seem to know all about Emmett." I had to ask her.
"Um, I really don't know much. I think that he is studying to be a doctor or something. That is really the only thing that is said on TV when the games are on. Every once in a while, you can catch a glimpse of the family sitting in the bleachers at the games but I really don't pay that much attention to anything other than the game and well, Emmett."
"Hmph. I guess I will find out tonight," I said.
As the work day came to a close, I remembered that I still needed to ask Leah if she would go out to Jared's tonight. I went up to the first aid station and Leah was putting a band-aid on a little boy that fell.
"Hey, Leah, do you have any plans for tonight?" I asked her.
"No, why?" Leah looked a little shocked that I was talking to her.
I thought about it for a minute. Maybe I should tell her that Jacob wants her. Could I do that? Hmmm…YES! I waited for the little boy to leave the room and told her.
"Well, Jacob really doesn't have the balls to talk to you, so he asked me to ask you to go to Jared's tonight. I really hate doing this to him but he definitely wants you," I said simply. Jake is going to kill me.
"Oh, ok, I will go then. I am not going to lie, I have been thinking the same thing but I didn't think that he felt the same way since he never talks to me," Leah replied with a grin.
"Do me a favor? Don't tell him I told you all that. I will leave directions to Jared's house in your locker. Be there around eight-ish. Dress to impress. Jake won't know what hit him," I said with a smile.
Soon after that, I was making the closing announcement into the mic and the pool patrons were gathering their items and exiting the premises. Time to get the night started.
Rose had already enlisted Alice's help for the evening and I was soon dragged into it. Alice always loved playing dress up with me. I didn't mind getting Alice's help but she just took to damn long to get me ready.